A total of 1,896 candidates are in the fray for the 300 seats. This time, 5.1% of the total candidates are women – the highest such share ever. Counting will begin after polls end on Sunday afternoon.
India has huge stakes in Bangladesh which has allowed cross-border connectivity initiatives under Hasina’s rule, giving New Delhi access to the landlocked Northeast via the Bay of Bengal. Besides, several cross-border power and trade initiatives have been launched, benefitting the population on both sides of the border. India has allowed power to be transferred to Bangladesh from Nepal and Bhutan besides ramping up defence partnership. While voices in the West desired that India read the riot act to Hasina for what they perceive as stifling of democracy, the veteran leader’s return to power would work to New Delhi’s advantage in the neighbourhood where China is making efforts to make inroads. India has stood by the Hasina government notwithstanding pressure from the West, particularly the US.
India will be keeping a close watch on China’s attempts to make inroads into the Bangladesh economy given its market size, growing middle class and its geography. Beijing has made several attempts in last few years to woo the Bangladesh polity to varying degrees of success. New Delhi has been keeping a close watch on Chinese designs given its own stakes in Bay of Bengal region.
Simultaneously, observers pointed out that the Hasina government needs to continue its policy of zero tolerance against radicals and extremists in Bangladesh who maintain ties in Pakistan and elsewhere.
The polls will take place under the vigil of nearly 750,000 police and paramilitary personnel and police auxiliaries. The country has also roped in officials of the army, navy and air force for the polls amid allegedly Opposition-instigated violence including an attack on a train late Friday.